A Life in the Theatre: T.R. Knight to star as John

"Grey's Anatomy's" T.R. Knight is to star alongside Patrick Stewart in the Broadway premiere of David Mamet's A Life in the Theatre in the role of 'John.'

Best known for his SAG Award winning and Emmy nominated role as "Dr. George O'Malley" on the hit ABC drama "Grey's Anatomy", T.R. Knight has also appeared on television in the CBS sitcom "Charlie Lawrence", opposite Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf. Knight has previously appeared on Broadway in the 2001 revival of 'Noises Off!,' and the 2003 Roundabout Theatre Company revival of 'Tartuffe.'

A Life in the Theatre will now begin performances at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 23 Sep 2010, and not the 17 Sep as originally announced.

As previously reported Patrick Stewart is returning to the New York stage starring in the leading role of 'Robert.' The production marks a return for the actor, who previously played the role in a 2005 production at London's Apollo Theatre.

Describing life in the footlights from an actor's point of view, A Life in the Theatre focuses on the relationship between two thespians: 'Robert,' (Patrick Stewart) an older, experienced performer; and 'John,' (T.R. Knight) a relative newcomer. Though Robert's guidance is welcomed by John at first, as the play progresses Robert falters as an actor and mentor, and John emerges as a mature actor.

Mamet was inspired to write A Life in the Theatre by what he had observed backstage as well as by his own experiences in his early career as an actor.

A Life in the Theatre will be directed by Neil Pepe, who directed the acclaimed revival of Mamet's Speed-The-Plow on Broadway last season.

The show will reunite Mamet with Tony Award winning scenic designer Santo Loquasto who designed the set for 'Race,' 'Glengarry Glen Ross' and the original 'American Buffalo.' The show also reunites Mamet with both Laura Bauer, who designed costumes for 'Speed-The-Plow' and 'November,' and with Tony Award winning lighting designer Kenneth Posner, who designed the lights for 'Glengarry Glen Ross.'

A Life in the Theatre will be produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel and Steve Traxler, the lead producers of the current 'Race' and recent production of 'Speed-The-Plow.'

A Life in the Theatre had its London premiere at the West End's Apollo Theatre from 27 Jan - 30 Apr 2005. The show starred Patrick Stewart as (Robert) and Joshua Jackson (John), and was directed by Lindsay Posner.

The London production opened to mixed reviews, but Charles Spencer of the Telegraph wrote "Proves funny, affecting and, by Mamet's macho standards, unexpectedly tender."; Michael Billington of the Guardian said "Perfectly enjoyable"; Benedict Nightingale of The Times praised the production saying "Lasts 85 minutes, but, unlike some pieces that are aeons longer, it packs three plays into its short, enjoyable span."; and Peter Brown of www.londontheatre.co.uk wrote "successfully commands the attention of the audience, and it's enjoyable as well as humorous."